Kristin Hays

Sept. 17, 1959 - April 17, 2023

Kristin (Kris) Hays (Milholland) September 17, 1959 – April 17, 2023 Kristin (Kris) Kay Hays passed away on April 17, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. Kris was born on September 17, 1959, to Bill and Peggy Hays in Little Rock, Arkansas. Growing up, Kris’s family first moved to Florida and then settle in Alabama. Kris graduated from Huntsville High School in 1977 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in accounting from Birmingham Southern University. She was a proud member of the Kappa Delta sorority. After college, Kris moved to New Jersey for a short time before relocating to Seattle. Kris was a devoted mother to her children, Kelsey and McKenna. She always volunteered at their school functions and took several positions of leadership in school related organizations, but always found time to attend all of their volleyball games. Kris was in a continual search for a healthy mind, body and spirit. To that end, she began taking yoga classes and fell completely in love with the practice. So much so, that she became a certified yoga instructor. She taught for several years before relocating back to Huntsville, Alabama to continue her teaching practice and to serve as Executive Director for Christmas Charities Year-Round (CCYR). (A non-profit organization that has served Madison County, Alabama since 1949) Kris returned to Federal Way, Washington in 2021. Kris was and still is many things to many people. She is a daughter, sister, friend, mentor, leader, mother, teacher, role model and so much more. But most of all, she was powerful. After her first battle with cancer in 2020, she sought to use her experience and wisdom to inspire and help those with similar challenges. She kept up her yoga practice and began teaching yoga and meditation to women with cancer, creating a safe and calm place for them to feel supported and loved. Kris touched so many lives and will be deeply missed by those who call her their friend. Kris is preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Peggy Hays. She is survived by daughters, Kelsey and McKenna Milholland, former husband Mike Milholland, brother Steve Hays, sister-in-law Cheryl Hays, nephew Sammy Hays and numerous cousins. In leu of flowers, donations can be made to Harmony Hill Retreat Center (www.harmonyhill.org) or Radical Remission Foundation (www.radicalremissionfoundaton.org). Arrangements are being made by www.earthfuneral.com. More information about a celebration of life, scheduled for June 10th, can be found on the www.earthfuneral.com website. A celebration of life will be held on June 10th, from 2-5 pm. The format will be an informal open house, so you are welcome to join us at any time. The open house will be held at 35654 9th Ave SW, Federal Way, Washington. One final note: Kris wanted nothing more for her family and friends than for them to be happy. Here is a note Kris wrote to herself she title “Be Thankful”, author unknown. • Be thankful you don’t have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to? • Be thankful when you don’t know everything. For it gives you the opportunity to learn. • Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow. • Be thankful for your limitations. Because they give you the opportunity for improvement. • Be thankful for each challenge because it will build your strength and character. • Be thankful for your mistakes, they will teach you valuable lessons. • Be thankful when you’re tired and weary because it means you have made a difference. • It is easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. • Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they become blessings.